OMG!!!!!! VA meal requests

[meldud]

We have arrived in the hotel airport and checked our bags.... we forgot to double check our daughters gluten free meal at the time and went back to check!!

Good job we did, as they haven't done it.... so my daughter has no food for the 8 1/2 hour flight! All the food and snacks we brought with us are in the luggage... which we have already checked in!! I have a cereal bar and 2 apples!

At the time of requesting meals, because she is a child I couldn't book it online, I telephoned and was told that it wouldn't show up online but don't worry as it was all taken care of... turns out they lied!!

So I have asked the friendly chef at the Hilton hotel if he can prepare her something for the flight...they have been amazing and gone out of their way to help me.... unlike the VA staff, who said "we need 48 hours to book a meal!!!!!!!!!!!"

Ridiculous... they are making it MY PROBLEM... when they are the ones who have made the error!!

I have been on many flights with my Coeliac daughter and she has NEVER been given a gluten free meal when requested!!!! We usually find out on the plane (which is why I went to ask).

I am hopping mad. My daughter is 9 years old and has been made to feel like she causes trouble.... she apologised to me for being so much trouble!!!
OK rant over! I thought a few friendly ears might make me feel better!

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh honey I am so sorry. I honestly feel your pain - right down to all the emotion while I am typing. I confirmed my DDs GF meal last year a week ahead. It never ocurred to me to check again. Guess what? It wasn't on the flight and there was NO alternative for her. I made sure the return was sorted and ..... you guessed it, it happened again. This year I am catering for her myself. We also stay at an airport hotel the night before. I too had DD in tears apologising for the trouble, which had me in tears. I mean you are highly strung enough after all the planning by the time you leave it doens't take much to tip a person over the edge. I reckon between us we shed tears over at least half the flight to Orlando ..... and back.

How lovely of the chef to help you. Tell your DD there is another girl nearly her age (8) who has had the same problem and it is NOT HER FAULT!

 

[Shazzie B]

Ahh bless her That would be my DD too - dreadful that she's been made to feel like that.

There's a Boots at the airport - will they have something suitable for her?

Hope the rest of the holiday runs smoothly.

 

[2Tiggies]

Since Disney is so good with catering for special diets I plan to purchase a GF CS meal that can be eaten cold for our departure. I am not taking any more chances. Maybe that is something that would make you and your DD feel a bit more secure for the home bound flight.

You did better than me. All I had was one individual pack of Mrs Crimbles Corn cakes

 

[meldud]

Your poor daughter... it just makes you feel so guilty doesn't it??

They are given the impression that so much effort has to go into just providing them with lifes essentials, when some people just go out of their way to make them feel special ... or better still, just normal!

I don't understand why they don't organise themselves better... there is obviously a glitch in the system.....we have never had a meal provided for her in 12 flights and each time we get more and more paranoid and check and double check!! Even when they had a meal on the flight once they gave it to the elderly lady sitting behind my daughter!!

The check in lady said there was nothing much they could do as they needed 48 hours notice!! You're not telling me that there isn't at least one Coeliac onboard every plane? And that if they are catering for ...let's say.... 50 a day... that they can't do an extra one ... it's not like I forgot... it just wasn't on the system!!

My husband now has a bee in his bonnet about if it had been religious reasons then it would have been a racial issue that would have been sorted instantly!! Instead it has been left to me to worry over and organise meals, toing and froing to the restaurant...what a good job the chef was so accomodating!! I will be sending the Hilton an email to say thank you (even though they are charging me for it) for helping me out when Virgin couldn't be bothered!!!

I told Virgin I don't have a car, so I can't go out to find gluten free items... I think they thought I could pick something up in the sandwich shop! They didn't understand that you can't go to the newsagent or garage and just pick stuff up.

OK ... so I ranted some more.... I am trying not to cry, especially as I am sitting in the bar with my laptop!! lol

 

[meldud]

Since Disney is so good with catering for special diets I plan to purchase a GF CS meal that can be eaten cold for our departure. I am not taking any more chances. Maybe that is something that would make you and your DD feel a bit more secure for the home bound flight.

You did better than me. All I had was one individual pack of Mrs Crimbles Corn cakes

What a good idea!! What would you put it in? Or would Disney sort that for you?

We reckon we will have too many credits left, so using some up on food for her on the way back would be a fab idea.... see you've perked me up already!!

 

[2Tiggies]

My husband now has a bee in his bonnet about if it had been religious reasons then it would have been a racial issue that would have been sorted instantly!! Instead it has been left to me to worry over and organise meals, toing and froing to the restaurant...what a good job the chef was so accomodating!! I will be sending the Hilton an email to say thank you (even though they are charging me for it) for helping me out when Virgin couldn't be bothered!!!

Lol, I had typed something along similar lines and deleted it as I didn't want it to look like I was starting something, but in reality, it is the truth. The thing is, the option isn't there online for passengers under 12 I emailed them and they put it in. It is showing on the online booking but they also tell you to phone and confirm it within 2 weeks of departure. What the heck?!?!? Like someone will accidentally order a GF meal for the fun of it. Fortunately on the flight home we had a wonderful crew member who raided the UC cabin and brought about 10 different items apologing profusely and said she would bring whatever she could that was suitable so I could make DD a meal. It wasn't her fault and I did write and compliment her by name for her effort. VA got a separate letter of complaint. They did deal with it promptly and sent her an apology card and a £25 voucher but I will point out to them if it happens again that it is pointless giving her a "sorry" voucher by way of amends if she can only use it for duty free on a flight where the error is being repeated.

 

[2Tiggies]

What a good idea!! What would you put it in? Or would Disney sort that for you?

We reckon we will have too many credits left, so using some up on food for her on the way back would be a fab idea.... see you've perked me up already!!

You typed too fast for me! They will pack it in a to go container. Not very spill proof. If you do venture into a shopping centre or somewhere it would be worth seeing if you can get a tucklock type plastic container. Having learnt the hard way I will be taking one with me this time. If venturing offsite is totally off the cards, you could try just asking around the foodcourts if they have something they will sell you and explain why. I wouldn't be surprised if they have one to just give to you.

 

[tashasmum]

I would definately make sure you have your own for the return journey. We had kids with us one year (i know thats easier as they can eat adults meal) but they had no meal going out so we double checked on checking in at DTD and they said it was ordered. Got on the plane later in the day and no meals again. At least if you have your own it will put your mind at ease. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

 

[meldud]

Lol, I had typed something along similar lines and deleted it as I didn't want it to look like I was starting something, but in reality, it is the truth.

I deleted it twice too... as I don't want to appear racist... but it is honestly how we feel.. maybe we don't kick up enough of a fuss... and that is the reason we have been walked all over. Maybe a few ranting women spouting stuff about human rights would make them listen... especially in a crowded check in hall???

Or maybe a piece in the newspaper??? OOhhhh!! now thats an idea!!

If if was a one off, then I could forgive and forget... but it appears that there are many others in the same boat!

My 90 minute wi-fi limit is soon up, so I will no doubt report back from the comfort of the BC lounge!! Although how I am expecting to sleep I have no idea!!

Thanks for your moral support

 

[meldud]

I would definately make sure you have your own for the return journey. We had kids with us one year (i know thats easier as they can eat adults meal) but they had no meal going out so we double checked on checking in at DTD and they said it was ordered. Got on the plane later in the day and no meals again. At least if you have your own it will put your mind at ease. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

I think I will feel a lot calmer having provided the meal for her myself, so will take evryones advice and just sort it myself!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I think I will feel a lot calmer having provided the meal for her myself, so will take evryones advice and just sort it myself!!

And your DD will probably have the best meal on the flight! Get a good night's rest. You are on holiday now!

 

[PJB71]

I know exactly how you feel, my 10yr old DD has a dairy allergy and wheat allergy, and most of the airlines dont even offer a dairy free meal. It makes me SO mad as vegetarians, diabetics, koshers etc are catered for, but not a child with an allergy. The nearest I can get is vegan, but then again is makes me worry as its not actually guaranteed dairy free and can also contain wheat.

I wish you could of seen some of the muck she has been given over the years,(when they have actually remembered which has only been 40% of the time) everything from veg curry to a sandwhich filled with lettuce together with a tub of mayonaise

A few years ago a friend of mine(who is an air stewardess) suggested I take her a meal in a metal container and ask the crew to warm it in there ovens(I usually put in maybe a cooked chicken breast, free from pasta and some veg and cover it in olive oil and it usually heats ok). Again some crew have been really helpfull, and some you'd of thought id of asked them to cook it themselves.

I NEVER rely on her being given a meal on-board now, which is such a shame when she sees other children being given "Fun" meals

 

[VailaTigger]

Oh I really feel for you guys, what a pain.

I thought it was bad enough being a veggie...

 

[Hilary]

Too late as a solution for this flight but maybe worth considering for the future - if the option isn't available on-line for the child's meal, could you select it for one of the adults instead?

Ok, I realise that would mean one of the adults could end up with the chicken-bites kid's meal for themselves but at least you might stand more chance of getting a GF meal on board, and you would know you had put it in the system yourself.

 

[katiec]

I feel sorry that you have had all this stress at what should be such a wonderful start to your holiday

I think the only I can say in the check in staff's defence on the 48hr thing is that they probably have to order from their suppliers that far in advance - doesnt help you I know and yes their systems arent brilliant but at least you have managed to get something whipped up by the Hilton Staff - i bet its a fab meal.

Try not to let it anger/upset you too much and you can start enjoying your well earned holiday

Katie

 

[2Tiggies]

Too late as a solution for this flight but maybe worth considering for the future - if the option isn't available on-line for the child's meal, could you select it for one of the adults instead?

Ok, I realise that would mean one of the adults could end up with the chicken-bites kid's meal for themselves but at least you might stand more chance of getting a GF meal on board, and you would know you had put it in the system yourself.

It can work out well. I have considered ordering myself a GF meal too - just in case. There is little danger on VA of getting a kids meal as those who want kids meals have to pre order them specifically.

You could always make a fun meal I suppose.

Meldud, if you get online again and see this before you come back, I am bringing back some of Disney's GF brownies with extra snack credits. We only discovered them last year and they are awesome. Don't forget dessert for the plane for your DD>

 

[meldud]

Turns out they managed to organise a meal for her for the next day and she had one on the plane! All that stress for nothing!

What is it about the travel companies?? Have just got back and Disney were AMAZING!!!!!! I cannot compliment them enough about the attention to detail when it refers to allergies!!!! A chef came out out at every meal, whether table or quick service and made DD feel soo special... no trouble at all!!

We were touched by their sensitivity and how easy they made it all!!

Maybe they could teach Virgin a thing or two??

 

[2Tiggies]

Maybe they could teach Virgin a thing or two??

As I have been saying for some time! So glad they got you sorted. Still, all that you and your family went through. Did you bring her back some GF snacks from Disney? I plan on raiding the GF brownie rack with our snack credits before we come home

How was your trip otherwise? When you are up to it, some highs and lows would be great. Meantime, I wish you sweet dreams

 

[irisheyes123]

glad it got sorted and had a good time